Can I use my computer?

The use of computers by people undertaking genealogy & family research is very common today, although there are many thousands of researchers still trusting along with their index card systems and files full of notes.

A computer is not an essential tool for the researcher, it is merely an instrument that can automate the storage and retrieval of all the data you collect, or as in the case of the internet, can open up the whole world to you. Contact is possible with millions of people 24 hours a day, any of who may hold that vital piece of data you have been looking for.

If you are looking to start using a Genealogy Software program, a great many of the products available offer free demonstration or shareware versions that you can try before you buy.

If you do have access to a computer and the Internet you could try visiting the following:

English Census:
http://www.census.pro.gov.uk

English Birth, Marriage & Death records:
http://www.statistics.gov/registration

English Public Records Office:
http://www.pro.gov.uk

Scotland Records:
http://wwwscotlandspeople.gov.uk

Federation of Family History Societies:
http://www.ffhs.org.uk

USA Social Security Death Index:
http://www.ssdi.genealogy.rootsweb.com

International Genealogical Index I.G.I.:
http://www.familysearch.org

My last link is to my favourite site for those true Yorkshire Folk looking to find out about their heritage from the best Yorkshire area of all Barnsley.
Barnsley Family History Society:
http://www.barnsleyfhs.co.uk